In Brief
Various news stories...
COMPANY car drivers are the most neglectful when it comes to checking tyre pressure, with only 31% of respondents to research by TyreSafe having checked their pressures within the last month – the maximum period recommended by the UK’s leading tyre safety organisation between pressure checks – compared with 50% of private motorists. Statistics from the Department for Transport show that illegal, defective or underinflated tyres were a contributory factor in the death of 43 motorists in 2007, and played a part in a further 984 crashes. Underinflated tyres can cause dramatic changes in the way a vehicle handles and corners, resulting in surprise and confusion for drivers which often results in crashes. Additionally, tyres wear out more quickly and vehicle fuel consumption increases.
RISK experts at Masterlease have warned fleet managers that company car drivers who do not report serious health conditions could be driving illegally without knowing they are breaking the law. The fleet management company says that if drivers fail to disclose important information to the DVLA, particularly about medical conditions, their driving licences could be invalid. Gavin Jones, Masterlease risk management expert, said: “All drivers are required by law to notify the DVLA of any medical condition which may affect their fitness to drive, but many drivers are failing to report this and could be using the roads illegally. When the DVLA is notified of any medical issues, a full investigation is carried out before the motorist is deemed fit to continue with their licence.”
CHANGES in working patterns have reduced death and serious injury on the roads at peak times on Fridays, according to analysis by AA road safety experts for Workwise UK. In the past Fridays were known as ‘Fatal Fridays’ due to the higher rate of road users killed and seriously injured in the peak rush hours. However, that trend appears to be changing. Last year there were fewer people killed or seriously injured on Fridays from 8-9am and from 5-6pm compared to the average rates for the same hours between Monday and Thursday. The AA and Workwise UK believe that this may be due to more flexible working and home working. AA president Edmund King said: “Further increases in flexible working would result in fewer delays and fewer deaths.”